Devils notes: Tom Kostopoulos excited to make debut

Kostopoulos excited

Tom Kostopoulos said he was "very excited" to make his Devils’ debut Thursday night after being claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old right wing previously played in the league for Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Montreal, Carolina and, most recently, with Calgary last season.

"It’s a different situation not knowing where your career is going and to get another shot at it," said Kostopoulos, who played 10:33 on Thursday, didn’t have a shot on goal and blocked two shots. "I’m very excited to be here and very grateful."

Kostopoulos signed a 25-game tryout contract with Pittsburgh’s AHL team in Wilkes Barre-Scranton after the NHL lockout and then signed a two-way NHL contract with the Penguins on Tuesday. The Penguins placed him on waivers so he could continue to play in the AHL until they needed him on the NHL roster.

"So, I was kind of surprised to get picked up. I’m definitely happy to be here."

Tallinder sits

Defenseman Henrik Tallinder was a late scratch with a lower-body injury that coach Pete DeBoer said occurred "in warm-up." Mark Fayne, who was slated to be a healthy scratch, played in Tallinder’s place.

DeBoer had planned to change up his defense with Anton Volchenkov and Peter Harrold playing in place of Adam Larsson and Fayne. Volchenkov had been a healthy scratch for four consecutive games. Harrold played in only one other game this season.

Right wing Stefan Matteau also returned after being a healthy scratch Tuesday. Krys Barch was the odd man out at forward.